Pervis Estupinan says teams will copy West Ham method

Opta stats say Kaoru Mitoma has created more chances than anyone else in the Prem so far this term with 19.

The man just behind him in those rankings is team-mate Pervis Estupinan on 18.

Pascal Gross ranks fourth on 15 with only Tottenham’s Son Heung-min (16) breaking up the Seagulls’ domination in this particular list.

Manchester City’s Rodri and Phil Foden have created 14 chances apiece, as has Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea.

Early days and all that but those stats will not surprise those who enjoy those thrilling Ecuador/Japan combinations down the left for the Seagulls.

Albion’s own social media admin had some fun with the fact Estupinan was credited with an assist for his pass ahead of Mitoma’s stunning solo goal at Wolves.

That left flank is one of the strengths of this explosive Albion side under Roberto De Zerbi.

But a big strength in any sport can also be exploited as a weak spot.

And Estupinan says Albion are aware of that – not least after what happened against counter-raiding West Ham in their only defeat so far.

David Moyes’ side sat deep, closed up spaces and used limited possession for maximum effect.

Estupinan said: “Every team studies us more and West Ham did their homework well.

“They planned the game very well and it was very hard for us to play through them as they sat back and closed spaces.

“But I think we still played a good match.

“We didn’t lose our essence of playing our football and looking to attack.

“We still had chances to score goals. Their keeper made some good saves.

“What cost us was on counter-attacks.

“They took their chances, They were very good and it won them the game.

“We will try to work more on those situations.

“A lot of teams will have seen how West Ham play and will plan in this way when they play us.

“We need to find a way to solve these problems.”

Estupinan works hard on his fitness as he is asked to charge up and down the flank.

But that role also involves help from others – and that is where Albion can tighten up without losing their attacking menace.

De Zerbi has already spoken about Albion needing to build attacks while keeping their potential vulnerability to counters in mind.

Asked about getting up and back so quickly, he said: “I work on that every day. I look after myself well.

“Concentration has a lot to do with it and also help from my team-mates.

“At times when I attack a lot, the central midfielders or centre-backs have to be very aware and cover my runs.

“That is something we are working on.

“That when I go forward or the right-back attacks, a central midfielder or centre-back is covering the space because that is something that is going to happen a lot this season.

“We have a coach who obviously is very attack-minded.

“I think every day we are learning things and we need to give it time.

“After West Ham, I think we are going to work hard to overcome what happened there.

“We work on everything, not just attacking.

“It’s defensive and offensive work.”

Estupinan makes no secret of his pride in representing Ecuador with his performances for Albion having seen Moises Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento head off elsewhere.

Asked for a highlight of last season, he said: “That is a very tough question. I have had many great moments.

“I go with the moment in which we had three Ecuadoreans on the pitch. That was an unforgettable moment for me.

“People started calling us Ecuabrighton and that was very motivational for us.

“You see a lot of flags from our country in the stands.”